Measles on the rise in Binh Duong
VOV.VN - The southern province of Binh Duong has recorded 24 cases of measles as of August 12, with this figure marking a threefold increase compared to the same period from last year.
According to details given by the provincial Department of Health, vaccine coverage rates in the first six months of the year could still not reach the required levels to create herd immunity as it only hit 49.3%, a sharp decrease compared to the 92.7% figure recorded in 2023.
It noted that local authorities must quickly adopt measles preparedness and response measures in a bid to prevent possible outbreaks.
Health experts have shared that a person who is infected may transmit measles even before the rash appears and for about four days after the rash has appeared. Measles spread easily among unvaccinated individuals and it is estimated that one person with measles may on average infect between 12 and 18 unprotected people.
The disease can lead to dangerous complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, otitis media, keratitis, diarrhea, and even death.
To cope with the complicated development of the disease, the department has urged local authorities to work to strengthen supervision to early diagnose infection cases in the community. Elsewhere, work should be done to review all non-vaccinated children and those who have not received enough doses in order to organise catch-up vaccination programmes.
Meanwhile, measles infections were also detected in 16 districts of Ho Chi Minh City, with Binh Chanh, Hoc Mon, and Binh Tan recording the highest number of cases.
Three deaths due to measles were recorded in the southern city, all of whom were children aged between four months and seven years old suffering from underlying conditions.
Hospitals in the city are therefore required to strictly adhere to regulations as part of efforts to prevent cross-infections, while also ensuring sufficient medical supplies are available for examination and treatment.
